[StuckInLA]

My wife and I will be moving to Auckland from the US in early August, and we're trying to sort out the logistics. She is enrolled in an online class and needs access to the internet as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Media Player. We only have a desktop, so while it is being shipped we will be without a computer.

How are the internet cafes in Auckland? Are there a lot of them? How expensive? And do they let you use Microsoft Office, or restrict you to just the internet? We may have to buy a laptop just for the 1-2 weeks we are moving/getting settled unless the Auckland cafes can save the day...:(

[kanatakiwi]

lots of internet cafes in Auckland, and they vary in price, but most charge a couple of dollars for 15 minutes etc. if you look around you can find one that lets you use word, excel etc and print your work, ( the printing part can cost more than the use of the computer. ). its also possible to buy a cheap laptop or desktop from Trade me, have a look at : www.tradme.co.nz
kanata kiwi

[Park City Partner]

You should also know that the libraries have computer access as well for FREE! There may be time limits depending on the hour and how busy it is. I'm not sure of the software they have available but I would expect that they have Word and Excel but can't promise.

[wanderingoregonian]

The libraries near me charge a fee for printing, but I think I just signed up for time on word. If you are going to be relying on public computers, I'd recommend you buying a USB memory stick (jump drive, flash drive, or whatever term you use) so you can save files easily. Just remember as good as they are, they occasion can be wiped ( extreme heat cold? I don't really know why). And make sure you don't wash them

In fact if you have no where to back them up, I'd get 2 USB keys, one to work on and one to copy a back up to. You could even bring over key scanned documents on one if you want.